When did the College start?
It began in 1841 as the Association of Medical Officers of Asylums
and Hospitals for the Insane. It became the Medico-Psychological
Association in 1865, the Royal Medico-Psychological Association in
1926 and the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 1971.
What do the symbols on the College Coat of
Arms represent?
The arms were originally granted to
the Royal Medico-Psychological Association in 1926, and were
confirmed to the College on its' formation in 1971 by the College
of Arms. They were also registered in Scotland by the Court of the
Lord Lyon.
The coat of arms incorporates the
traditional caduceus and serpents symbolic of Medicine, and the
equally traditional butterflies associated with psyche. Previous to
the grant, the Medico-Psychological Association had used a device
showing the seated Psyche with butterfly's wings.
What does the College do?
It is the professional body for psychiatrists and organises their
qualifying examination, the MRCPsych. It also organises continuing
professional development programmes, promotes study and research
work in psychiatry, aims to improve standards of education and care
and has an extensive range of public education initiatives.
How many members are there?
About 12,000, including about 1,639 overseas members. They are all
medically qualified and are specialists in psychiatry or working
towards specialising in psychiatry.
What is the College structure?
There are geographical divisions, including the Irish, Scottish and
Welsh divisions, and specialist faculties, sections and special
interest groups which represent different branches of
psychiatry.
How is the College organised?
The College Officers are the President, Vice-Presidents, Dean,
Librarian, Registrar and Treasurer. The Officers are usually
practicing clinicians who are willing to commit time to the work of
the College. The main administrative committees are the Court of
Electors, the Council, the Executive and Finance Committee and the
Public Policy Committee and there are other standing committees,
sub-committees, working parties and groups
Why is it called a College when there aren't any
students?
In this context, 'College' means an organised group of professional
people with particular aims and duties. Many of the medical
specialties have royal colleges as their administrative bodies. The
word royal is used because the College has a royal charter.
Are there any psychiatrists at 17 Belgrave
Square?
No, the College is run by administrative staff although many
psychiatrists visit the building for meetings and similar
purposes.
What are the College departments?
There is the Central Secretarial and Personnel Department,
Examinations, External Affairs and Information Services, Finance,
Postgraduate Education, Publications and the CRU.
What is the CRU?
This is the College Research Unit and it is in different premises
in Victoria Street. It works on health services research, quality
initiatives, services evaluation and audit projects.
What does the College publish?
The three main psychiatric journals, the British Journal of
Psychiatry, the Psychiatric Bulletin and Advances
in Psychiatric Treatment. It publishes books on psychiatry
under the Gaskell imprint and issues guidelines and statements in
the form of reports and occasional papers. It also produces a wide
variety of mental health information materials.
How do I find out more?
There is further information on the
website